Ceremonial showcase in blackened pearwood, Napoleon III period - 1850

Rare ceremonial piece of furniture with numerous ivory inlays, on a blackened pear tree background, typical of the Napoleon III period. Its lower part opens by a glass door, with moulded frame and rounded corners. It reveals an exhibition space furnished with a 34.5 cm shelf on fixed slats. This leaf is equipped with a lock in working order and its key. The sides of this lower unit are also glazed and have the same surrounds as those described above. The front corners of this piece of furniture are recessed, giving way to two turned columns, adorned with high and low ivory rings. In addition to their aesthetic aspect, these uprights also serve as supports for the belt of this display case, and for its top with protruding edges. This lower part is decorated with ivory inlays, arranged in fillets and scrolls. Similar decorations and other arabesques can be found in greater numbers on the backsplash with cut-out contours of this piece of furniture. This upper element has small ornamental cornices and two shelves set on solid brackets. The finesse of the figures and the pelican on this backsplash is particularly noteworthy. These inlays, which seem to be inspired by the Italian art of the 1850s, are the result of meticulous and quality work. The whole rests on a moulded plinth, itself set on four soberly worked legs. One will appreciate the delicacy of this piece of furniture, rare by its composition, which can be harmonized in a "black and white" decoration. The contrasting effect of this pair is successful: the light marquetry is highlighted by a deep black background. ******** Period: 1850. Perfect condition after restoration in our workshop. Varnished finish on a hard background.

Ref. : KH5W9BUA